Unlocking cow genetics to lower feed costs

To confirm this hypothesis, a study has been set up by the University of
Missouri and at Texas A&M. The study started with heifers purchased from the
same herd. The animals have been divided into two groups, one that needs more
feed to get a pound of gain and the other, which needs less. Both groups look
identical but one just needs less food.

Forage agronomist Rob Kallenbach
said breeding those genetics into cattle to make more efficient use of forages
could lower winter feed costs by 10 to 30 percent when combined with good
pasture management. The study is not tied to any particular cattle breed. “There
is as much or more variation between animals within a breed as there is between
breeds,” he said. On pastures, feed-efficient animals need 15 to 20 percent less
forage, he said. Kallenbach also warned producers not to focus all of their
attention on any one trait; feed efficiency, for example, has little value if
that cow produces little milk.

Related websites:
University of Missouri 

Texas
A&M University

[Original Source]